Welcome to your go-to source for Huntsville’s top events! First comes November, then comes Thanksgiving and all things Christmas; and Huntsville knows how to celebrate the holiday season in style. With everything from turkey trots to autumn train rides, book fairs, Christmas markets, tree lightings, and more, there is a wide variety of jolly fun things to do in November.
By Abby Callahan
All Month Long
Huntsville’s calendar is filling up fast with holiday events, and residents don’t have to miss a single one with the Huntsville Holiday Magic Pass! Sign up for chances to win prizes, unlock savings, and receive one-stop access to all markets, events, and holiday-themed activities happening in Madison County throughout November and December – including, Wintergreen Holiday Market, Galaxy of Lights, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, and much more.
November 1
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Orion Amphitheater, A Ray of Hope Festival invites the community to celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity. Hosted by AshaKiran Foundation, the family-friendly event will feature a new international market, multicultural performances, international music, food, and connection while supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
November 1
Join the Huntsville Botanical Garden at their second annual Wintergreen Holiday Market. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a seasonal afternoon in the garden while shopping the market of artisan vendors offering handmade goods, home décor, culinary treats, and one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
November 6
Watch Huntsville Havoc as they face off with Macon Mayhem in an action-packed night on the ice. In addition to the hockey game, join the team in celebrating U.S. veterans with an intermission performance by 313th Military Band.
November 6
Head to the MidCity District for First Fridays – an evening of community, delicious food, cold drinks, live music, and exploring the district. On the first Friday of every month, guests can bring their friends, family, and leashed pets to enjoy extended shopping hours, board games and picnics in the park, and so much more.
November 7
Get ready for a day of reading, writing, and connection at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s Great Big Book Festival! Visitors will enjoy a fun lineup of free programming, including an author panel, book signings, a selection of bookish vendors, and a ticketed keynote event with best-selling author Ariel Lawhon discussing her acclaimed novel, The Pirate Queen.
November 7
Calling all 40+ runners for the 2026 USATF Masters 5 KM Cross Country Championships! Registered individuals and track clubs will compete for national titles, individual awards, and team points as they run 5 kilometers on grass, dirt, and varied terrain at John Hunt Park. The women’s race begins at 8:30 a.m. with the men’s to follow at 9:30 a.m.
November 7
Known as a “dapper social cycle through historic Huntsville,” the Tweed Ride Huntsville 2026 invites the community to don their smartest attire for a community-wide leisure bike ride. Vintage and modern bikes are welcome as the group pedals along with rest intervals for historical discourse, art appreciation, sampling small businesses, and a visit to L’Etoile Patisserie for prize awards.
November 7
Join the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum for their 25th Anniversary Celebration! From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can browse the museum and enjoy themed programs. Donations of $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for students under 18 are required for entry. Entry is FREE for active duty military members in uniform.
November 12-15 & 18-22
Come one, come all to the MidCity District for a unique Broadway-style circus, Venardos Circus – Alice! Ticketed guests are invited to step into the red-and-white-striped tent and back into time as they experience a wonderland of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, hand-balancers, comedic jokesters, daredevils, magicians, and more as they perform in the ring.
November 13
Head over to the Bridge Street Town Centre for an evening of holiday wonder at their annual Letters to Santa and Merry and Bright Night Tree Lighting events. Starting at 4 p.m., visitors can drop off letters to Santa at the Santa Mailbox and are invited to do so all season long. From 6 to 8 p.m, guests can then enjoy photos with Santa himself, a ballet performance, hot cocoa, holiday music, seasonal shopping, and the lighting of the centre’s brand-new tree.
November 13-December 31
Celebrating 31 years of lights and community, the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition. This year, visitors can stroll through 1.75 miles of lights during walking nights or view the display in the comfort of their car on driving nights, as well as enjoy unique activities like tram rides with storytelling, sensory hours, galaxy 3K and 5K races, and more.
November 14
Get ready, get set for the 48th annual Huntsville Half Marathon! Perfect for first-time half marathoners and training marathoners alike, the flat and fast course will wind through South Huntsville and include aid stations and porta-potties every two miles. The race begins at 8 a.m. at Hillwood Baptist Church.
November 14
Get your Christmas shopping on at Holiday on Gates – a charming Christmas Market featuring local artisans and makers! From 2 to 8 p.m., market goers can browse vendors showcasing handcrafted gifts, unique artwork, cozy winter goods, and delicious treats, as well as enjoy holiday music and vibes.
November 15
The time for your pup to jingle all the way has arrived at the HOWLiday PAWgeant to Benefit Notorious D.O.G Rescue. The PAWgeant will take place at Rocket City Dog Bar and feature 50 local dogs in their merriest costumes to help raise funds for the rescue and make spirits bright. Attendees will also enjoy vendors, raffles, adoptable pups, photos with Santa, PAWgeant prizes, and more!
November 20
Get ready to hear local artist, Josh Allison, at the Huntsville U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Rocket Sessions! Held in the Rocket Park amphitheater, the outdoor music and social event invites guests to bring their own picnics with beer and wine available for purchase onsite.
November 21
Lowe Mill A&E invites all book lovers, creators, and curious minds to their GOBBLE GOBBLE HEY! Zine and Small Press Fest. The fest, which celebrates the written word and art of storytelling, will feature a market showcasing zines, comics, both self-published and small-press books, book-making arts, letterpress, printmaking, and more.
November 26
Get your gobble on at the fifth annual TTT: Theatre Turkey Trot! The holiday-themed 5K will take place at Ditto Landing at 8 a.m., followed by a 1-mile fun run at 8:40 a.m. Costumes are encouraged and all proceeds will help to support Around the Curtain Community Children’s Theatre.
November 28
Small Business Saturday at Lowe Mill A&E is a day of celebrating local creativity and passion. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., market goers can witness artists in their element while shopping the market for unique, handcrafted treasures that are full of innovation and holiday spirit.
Abby Callahan, BA, Cum Laude
Abby Callahan is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Spanish and the distinction of cum laude. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor/digital content specialist, Abby successfully fulfilled roles in marketing and event planning, as well as strategic communications and storytelling for a wide variety of initiatives. Today, Abby leads ideation, conceptualization, and development for numerous health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. She also contributes to the development of blogs and other content shared on the publications’ digital platforms. Off the clock, she enjoys thrifting, sewing and designing her own clothes, climbing, and going on adventures with her husky, Hazel.
